Mo Ibrahim Foundation Prize Ceremony for the 2011 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership

Mo Ibrahim referred to the events in North Africa this year in his opening remarks, saying, "The 'African Spring' really is here to stay - there is no way back… The message to our leaders is loud and clear. Reform, democratise, develop, create jobs - otherwise you better collect your pensions before it is too late."

Presenting the award, Salim Ahmed Salim, Chair of the Prize Committee, said, "In reaching our decision, we considered President Pires's role in transforming his country into a model of democracy, stability and increased prosperity. His stewardship won Cape Verde international recognition as one of Africa's most stable democracies… President Pires's long career has been dedicated to the service of his people and country and marked by personal humility and integrity."

Accepting the award, President Pires said, "I believe that behind the noble and visionary initiative of the Prize lies a clear passion for African causes. It expresses concern about the future, and confidence in the African people and their children to rebuild the future based on their own will."

Concluding his speech, President Pires said, "I would like to express my solidarity with the Tunisian people for the way in which they were able to remove an authoritarian regime. I would like to pay a warm tribute to the sacrifice of the young Mohamed Bouazizi."

The Prize Ceremony in Tunis also saw live performances and speeches from several international personalities, celebrating the best of the African continent. Highlights include performances from African superstars Youssou NDour and Angelique Kidjo, Cape Verdean musician Mayra Andrade and speeches from Ibrahim Foundation Executive Director and Board Member Hadeel Ibrahim, speaking about the importance of Agriculture in Africa's development, and Bineta Diop, Executive Director, Femmes Africa Solidarites, who said that the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, Tawakkol Karman in 2011, as well as to Wangari Maathai in 2004, had inspired people across the continent to break through barriers and make a difference in their own countries.

The Ibrahim Prize, conferred by an independent Prize Committee made up of global figures, is awarded to a former executive Head of State or Government for demonstrating excellence and exceptional leadership. The Prize Committee is comprised of: Salim Ahmed Salim, former Secretary-General of the Organization for African Unity and former Prime Minister of Tanzania, former president of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, Aïcha Bah Diallo, Mohamed ElBaradei, Graça Machel, former Botswana president Festus Mogae, and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Irish president Mary Robinson.

President Pires follows Joaquim Chissano (2007) and Festus Mogae, (2008) as Ibrahim Laureates. Nelson Mandela was made an honorary laureate in 2007. In 2009 and 2010 the Prize Committee, after in-depth review, did not select a winner.

About the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation supports good governance and great leadership in Africa. The Foundation works to:

· Provide a framework and tools by which citizens and governments can assess and measure progress in governance

· Recognise excellence in African leadership and provide a practical way in which leaders can build positive legacies on the continent when they have left national office

· Stimulate debate on the quality of governance and major governance issues in Africa

· Develop leadership and governance capacity in Africa

These aims are achieved through the Foundation's four major programme areas: Ibrahim Index of African Governance; The Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership; the Ibrahim Discussion Forum; and Capacity Building Programmes (including the Ibrahim Scholarships and the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships).

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